Explain why acid strength increases in the order HClO ₆ HClO_{2 6} HClO_{3 6} HClO₄.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of oxyacids. Oxyacids are acids that contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (the central atom). In this case, the central atom is chlorine (Cl) in each of the acids HClO, HClO2, HClO3, and HClO4.
2. Step 2: Recognize the role of electronegativity and oxidation state. The strength of an oxyacid is influenced by the electronegativity of the central atom and its oxidation state. As the oxidation state of the central atom increases, the acid strength generally increases.
3. Step 3: Analyze the oxidation states of chlorine in each acid. Calculate the oxidation state of chlorine in each acid: HClO (Cl is +1), HClO2 (Cl is +3), HClO3 (Cl is +5), and HClO4 (Cl is +7).
4. Step 4: Relate oxidation state to acid strength. Higher oxidation states of chlorine result in a greater ability to stabilize the negative charge on the conjugate base after the acid donates a proton (H+). This stabilization makes the acid stronger.
5. Step 5: Conclude with the trend. As the oxidation state of chlorine increases from HClO to HClO4, the acid strength increases due to the increased ability of the central atom to stabilize the conjugate base, making HClO4 the strongest acid in the series.